recently got a 02 trooper and the gas mpg is 15 town and 18 on highway. is this what i can expect on this truck. what can i do to better it. new to site and use of this machine. thanks srf.

That sounds about normal.

As far as increasing it, well, that is pretty much the same as any other vehicle. Gentle accelerations, lower cruising speeds, synthetic oil, higher tire pressure, better engine breathing (in and out), etc. might net you a few mpg. Nothing miraculous though, the Trooper is a heavy, sturdily-built, high profile vehicle, which does not translate into high mpg operation.

thank you for the reply. next step is to see what i can do to change the trooper into a trail ready truck. any suggestions on lifts, mufflers, or motor upgrades. thanks srf.

fyi, changing it into a trail ready truck often takes you the opposite end of the gas mileage spectrum... not dramatically, but be aware if you're already unsatisfied with the 15/18mpg.... if you want the best mileage, better to leave it stock.

-Rob

How serious do you want to get?

For starters I would suggest installing OME 912 coils to lift 30mm (1.25"), adjusting the ride height in front to match via torsion bar adjustment. This will give you plenty of room for 265/75 tires, and the ride and load carrying will be improved also. You can always go higher via coil spacer later if desired.

If you are getting serious at all, I also recommend tie rod protection (they are the first thing to break) and rocker panel protection ("sliders"). After that you could consider manual hubs (which BTW can gain you ~1 mpg since the front drivetrain no longer has to turn all the time) and shock upgrades.

Your best resource for aftermarket upgrades is Independent4x in Richmond...you near there? They are about the only full-service Isuzu aftermarket shop out there. Calmini has a few products also.

Run some trails stock and see what you really need first. Rapidan Wildlife Mangagement Area in Madison County is probably the closest trails to you (one trail is 10 miles long - stock would be sufficient). As you encounter things you can't do but want to do, that tells you what to modify. Rocker panel protection is always a safe way to start, however. My rocker bar (boulder bar, rock sliders) were my first mod and have protected my truck from damage (well, at least the rocker panels <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Pete